Cathay Pacific’s Vintage Livery

Recently, Cathay Pacific unveiled a special A350 painted in its classic 1971–1994 “Lettuce Leaf Sandwich” livery, marking the airline’s first-ever retro livery and celebrating its 80th anniversary. In the original design, the top of the vertical tail carried the British Union Jack, while a Swire Group flag appeared ahead of the “Cathay Pacific” titles. These two flags, however, are absent from the modern revival.

This iconic green-and-white scheme is affectionately known among Hong Kong people as the “Big Chai” livery, as its layered colors resemble the pilot’s shoulder stripes—commonly referred to as “chai.”

While the exact origin of the “sandwich” nickname is difficult to trace, it becomes easier to understand the timing of the livery change when viewed against the backdrop of the 1970s. Hong Kong was entering its economic golden age, and Cathay Pacific was beginning a period of rapid expansion and transformation—making 1971 a natural moment for a new corporate image.

Throughout the 1970s, Cathay Pacific steadily upgraded and renewed its fleet. In 1971, the airline introduced its first Boeing 707, along with flight simulators and a computerized reservation system. In 1974, the runway expansion at Kai Tak Airport was completed. In 1975, Cathay took delivery of its first wide-body aircraft, the L-1011 TriStar. A year later, Boeing 707s were converted into freighters as Cathay capitalized on Hong Kong’s strategic geographic position and began placing greater emphasis on air cargo. In 1979, the arrival of the Boeing 747 ushered in a new peak in passenger capacity.

The introduction of the Boeing 707 and a new generation of aircraft was the catalyst for adopting the “Big Chai” livery—an image that would go on to become a defining visual symbol of the era.

In November 1994, Cathay Pacific underwent a major brand transformation, introducing the now-famous “Brushwing”livery designed by Landor Associates, with new uniforms created by renowned designer Eddie Lau. In 2015, the Brushwing design was further simplified, evolving into the livery we see today.

From a purely aesthetic perspective, the “Big Chai” livery undeniably reflects the industrial design language of its time and may not align with modern notions of beauty. Yet it holds a deeply significant place in the hearts of many. I believe this is because the livery accompanied Hong Kong’s economic takeoff and formed part of the shared background of an entire generation.

Watching one steel giant after another descend into Kai Tak Airport over Kowloon City, accompanied by the thunderous roar of Rolls-Royce engines, became an iconic Hong Kong scene. It was an era filled with opportunity, when life steadily improved and the future felt full of promise—an age when hard work and perseverance were believed to lead to a better life ahead.